Will We Really Get to Sail?

Contemporary Sailing Yachts are designed for sailing
performancde and will use their sails throughout your
cruise as their primary propulsion, relying on their
auxilliary engine for docking & anchoring maneuvers and
charging ship's systems. Motor Sailors on the
other hand, are not truly designed for Sailing
Performance, but for stamina! They are designed
with large, powerful twin engines capable of moving
these heavily built vessels through any kind of seas -
while maintaining a comfortable motion, and the use of
the sails as "an assist" when the conditions are ideal.
If REAL SAILING is what you are looking for, you are
best to focus on Contemporary Designed Sailing Yachts
and Catamarans. Of course, there are some Motorsailors
that do use their sails as much as the wind and
conditions allow, and we are happy to make
recommendations if that is your preference.

If
you’re looking for a truly relaxing and invigorating holiday, discovering the ancient sites, bays, coves and harbours of Turkey,
Greece & Croatia, then
our gulet cruises will be perfect for you. Cruise in style on incredible
journeys of discovery that have to be experienced to be believed.

Cruising on a Turkish Gulet or Greek Kahiki

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to gulets, and our superb range
of vessels have been carefully selected to ensure both comfort and the
quality that you would expect. Every gulet is hand-crafted from
luxious woods and features that will evoke their historical beauty. Gulet cruises can host groups from 2 to 24 people, with options
for master suites, double or twin cabins, even triple and quad cabins.

Gulets were designed for Trade, with powerful engines and sails used
mainly as a "boost" if the winds were ideal. While the modern Gulet
has certainly enriched the amenities on board for guests comfort
(rich, wood panneled cabins, large windows open to the sea, copious
lounging areas, shaded on Deck dining and Sun Decks), they are
heavy, stable and typically more fuel economical than Motor Yachts.
But, Gulets are not know for their Speed under Sail. If the
winds are ideal, the sails will be used, but they are primarily
motor driven. Many Gulets rarely use their sails as the demands of
reaching your next port of call are more critical. Of course, some
Gulets sail better than others, and we can suggest those that use
their sails more frequently.

Life aboard a traditional Turkish gulet

On most itineraries gulets cruise
by motor for an average of three hours a day, to keep to schedule, and ounder glorious sail when weather
and time permits. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming,
snorkeling, and kayaking as your gulet journeys along the coast. This
wonderful way of travelling is sometimes known as a ‘blue cruise’.

Service is a prime consideration and we boast experienced captains and
excellent cooks to make your adventure simply unforgettable. Mealtime
panoramas range from secluded coves to picturesque old fishing villages.
All food is prepared in the gulet’s galley by the onboard cook, who
conjures up a variety of fresh local delicacies in tune with your
specific menu requests planned in advance.

Turkish
& Greek Cuisine

Turkey
and Greece are well known for a healthy Mediterranean diet. Breakfasts
on board typically consists of bread, tomatoes, olives, cheese, eggs, yoghurt and
honey. Lunches (and dinners) are usually hearty meals with
grilled meats, fresh fish, accompanied by a variety of salads and tasty side
dishes (mezza), followed by fruit or filled pastry. Delicious local
wines are stocked on board, along with a range of spirits, beers, soft
drinks and fruit juices. To sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in
the local cultre, we recommend dining ashore most evenings in local
tavernas or cafes.

History of Gulets

The word ‘gulet’ (pronounced "goo-let)) probably
derives from the French goulette, or schooner. These two-masted wooden
vessels, are typically made from pine and mahogany, and were long used for
transporting goods and fishing along the southern coasts of Turkey. Typically
designed with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded stern, they are
incredibly stable and offer an easy motion even in the roughest
seas. These days they
are designed and fitted with comfort for guests, rather than the safety
of cargo.

Gulet
Cruise Itineraries

We offer the finest gulet charters and sailing vacations with a
historical, archaeological and cultural theme, coupled with watersports
and culinary treasures of the Lycian coast, the Dalmatian Coast and
Greek islands. Enjoy total relaxation,
beautiful food, and superb swimming along with archaeological adventures
and exploring local Bazzaars, Cafe's and historical sites. We have a wide range of gulet cruise itineraries
throughout the Aegean and Antalya coasts, as well as throughout
the Adriatic Sea and Dalmatia.

When & Where to Go

The
Eastern Mediterranean cruise calendar runs from spring thru autumn,
though werecommend late Spring and late Summer/Fall to avoid summer
crowds. Weather in
Turkey is the warmest of all the Mediterranean regions, and the least affected
by the Meltemi winds that are so common in mid summer - especially in
the Greek Cyclades. The
most popular Cruising areas in Turkey are the Gulf of Fethiye and Gulf
of Gokova, which include some of the most beautiful harbors and bays in
all of Turkey.

We have been working as a gulet cruise specialst for well over two
decades, since our first cruise in Turkey in 1994, and we continually
inspect Gulets all over the Eastern Mediterranean to assure your
expectations are met or exceeded. We will be delighted to use our
experience and knowledge to help create the perfect gulet vacation and
blue voyage for you. Contact a Gulet Charter Specialist today!